Moles more than any other animal can cause visual heartaches for homeowners. As a homeowner, I personally know the frustration of seeing ugly veins over my own lawn. Moles can quickly decimate a beautifully manicured lawn.

Over the years we have tried many different resolutions including trapping, grub treatments and poisons. Ten percent of our overall business is attributed to this frustrating animal. We have designed an approach using several techniques that allow us to be very successful at solving mole problems. Most of the techniques we use require an intensive knowledge of the mole.

Most moles never really come to the surface, although they do leave their signs in the form of tunnels and mounds. This damage is created in a mole’s relentless pursuit of food...primarily earthworms.

Moles are insectivores, obtaining essentially all of their dietary needs from these creatures. In the process of hunting, moles can tunnel up to 100 feet per day, causing extensive lawn and landscape damage.

Mole Facts

 Moles have an incredibly high metabolism. This means they have an insatiable appetite and are always on the lookout for food. They Consume 80% to 100% of their body weight every day. Mole do not hibernate and are active year-round. Moles live their lives underground, rarely coming to the surface. Life span - 2 to 3 years Moles can create up to 100 feet of new tunnels each day. Moles are anti-social and do not coexist in the same tunnel systems.

For the most part, mole activity is directly proportional to the availability of its food source, primarily earthworms. Thus, the timing, severity and location of this activity is directly influenced by those factors affecting the abundance of earthworms. These factors include both environments conditions, as well as, topographical variations.

Environmental Conditions

Since moles follow their food source, they seem to disappear if worms move to other areas. This is especially true during very dry conditions. During these times worms will go deeper in the soil following moisture.

Correspondingly, mole will follow deeper underground. This can give the impression that a mole has left the area. But as soon as the soil conditions change, they will return to their tunnel systems as long as the worm return.

Topographical Variation

Properties adjacent to wooded areas, fields and other fertile hunting grounds are susceptible to “reoccupation”. “Reoccupation” occurs when a new mole moves into an area that has become inactive.

Hopefully you don’t have a mole problem this year, but if you do, just remember Trapper Ron is here to help.

As always, anytime you require a professional trapper, make sure they are licensed with the Michigan Department of Natural Resource and insured. Cost varies greatly so do your homework and call several trappers and compare pricing for the services offered.

Ron Baker is the owner of Trapper Rons Humane Animal Removal & Relocation Services located in Farmington Hills. He assists homeowners and business with all wildlife nuisance issues in Farmington and surrounding cities. He can be reached at (248) 426-0036.